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Sixth iteration of Apple iPhone announced on September 12, 2012. Repair of this device is similar to the previous models, and requires screwdrivers and prying tools. Available as GSM or CDMA / 16, 32, or 64 GB / Black or White.

It's incredibly convenient that Apple used the same pentalobe screwhead that they've been using for the past two years on the iPhone 4 and 4S. The screw shafts are slightly different from the screws in our iPhone 4/4S Liberation Kit, so we made a new iPhone 5 Liberation Kit!

The unibody back case is reminiscent of the iPhone 3GS, while still retaining the square (though now chamfered) edges of the iPhone 4.

In the 3GS, the display assembly was easy to take out, but the battery was a pain. In the 4 and 4S, the display assembly took 38 steps to remove, while the battery was a breeze. We like to think that Apple has started tailoring to our preferences in allowing us to remove both the display assembly and the battery in only a couple of steps.

Spring contacts make for easy repairs, but mandate careful attention to cleaning all the parts before reassembly. Finger oils can get in the way of these metal contacts and cause frustrating component failures.

This contact connects the metal frame around the front-facing camera to the frame around the rear-facing camera. Maybe this frame is some kind of an antenna? Only time will tell.

Speaking of antennas, a spudger easily pries one end of an antenna connector off of the logic board near the battery.

In the iPhone 4S, this antenna location was reserved for the cellular antenna. We won't know for sure what this antenna's purpose is until we uncover more.

Many of the components that came out with the logic board are held in place with screws and brackets.

Apparently, Apple is very concerned with making sure that all the connectors are firmly seated and won't rattle loose over time. Good on you, Apple.

Before we go any further: A mega thanks to Chipworks for sticking around into the wee hours of the night and helping us identify the packages on the logic board. Their handiwork (along with ours!) can be seen below.

The MDM9615 allows for multi-spectrums, multi-mode LTE support. It is responsible for transmitting simultaneous voice and data transfer on LTE (provided the carrier has the infrastructure to allow simultaneous voice and data transfer.)

We also find the Qualcomm RTR8600 multi-band/mode RF transceiver. The RTR8600 is paired alongside the MDM9615 to support various bands, including 5 UMTS bands, and over 5 LTE and 4 EDGE bands.

The Lightning connector looks like it could be swallowed by the the 30-pin dock connector.

Here we can clearly see the eight leads in the new Lightning connector.

While there hasn't been any official word on the pin-out for the Lightning connector, we can confidently say that two of them will be used for power and ground. As for the other six, well, that's anyone's guess.

Apple claims that the Lightning connector is all digital. However, they also claim that the iPhone 5 supports analog audio-out and VGA video, indicating that there may be some kind of digital-to-analog conversion going on inside the cable.

Further investigation into the Lightning connector shows a neat array of pins and a clip to hold the cable in place.

As can be seen in the 2nd high res picture, there are are two outermost pin that are inset from the others. This is standard practice to insure that all other signals and power are connected before the ground or power (depending if Apple decided to supply power via the outer metal shield or ground.

Normal practice is to connect signals and ground first and then the power is applied via the shorter pins. Time will tell and someone with a DVM as to which is the power (pin or shell).

Each pin (shown in the third picture) is springy and gold plated on the end to ensure good conductivity between the Lightning cable and the socket.

Apple's newest iteration of its classic home button sports an integrated metal support bracket, which we hope will greatly strengthen the oft-used switch.

Many iPhone 4 and 4S users have experienced the woes of a faulty home button, but haven't been brave enough to attempt the repair. This new design should not only increase longevity, but also make replacing the home button a lot less of a hassle.

A side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 display assemblies. The iPhone 4s has an integrated home button.

What first appeared to be part of the LCD assembly is easily removed after the turn of a few screws.

This plate is likely used for shielding and heat dissipation. The spring contact near the screw suggests that the plate could also be used for grounding.

We've had some inquiries if this shield was made of Liquidmetal. Sorry to disappoint, folks, but it doesn't seem to be that alloy. The plate has the same resistance of stainless steel and is slightly magnetic, just like stainless steel.

One of the iPhone 5's biggest selling points was the updated 8 megapixel iSight camera.

Although it's hard to see many differences between this camera and last year's model on the outside, Sony made some significant upgrades, including improved low light performance and 40% faster image capture. iPhone 5 camera is on the left.

Will your pictures be this good? That depends—will you take the time to snap photos of something besides your dinner?

We have found them! Just as Apple promised, there are more microphones residing in the top of the device.

First, we find the front facing top microphone, presumably for FaceTime and speakerphone capabilities.

And on the back? It's starting to look like a triple microphone! The rear-facing microphone partners up with the rear-facing camera for recording video, and is also used for canceling out background noise when on calls.

Excellent description and beautiful photos as always. You folks do an excellent job.... with one minor request for more... The details of the antennas are not clear. In particular, where exactly are the 3G/4G antennas? Is the metallic ring around the perimeter of the phone part of an antennae again as in "antennagate?" (I don't think so, but would like confirmation). Also, are the diversity antennas used over all the bands?

I've read your water damage guide and I didn't understand if you can/have to clean all the parts where there's some corrosion visible or just the logic board and LCD? Will it help if I clean everything with a cloth moistened in isopropyl alcohol?

Thanks, and I commented here because the last article about water damage is very old and outdated it's on the iPhone 3G so I posted on this active guide.

wow i have just finished replacing my iphone 5 screen scary at first but not so complicated. make sure you dont drop any screw, the suction pad didnt work for me, i had to pry the bottom screen, do it gently so you dont leave any marks on the phone. once out every thing is straight forward, carefull with the home button, on mine it was stuck on original phone with adhesive. so taking out the flat cable was a delicate process. other wise phone is brand new and works well and look brand new. thanks Ifixit.com

What kind of plastic does the iPhone 5 casing use? (The part that connected to the aluminum stripe across the back). I dropped my phone down some stairs and the plastic part cracked. Can i use this parts <a href="http://www.makibadi.com/acheter-telephon... rel="nofollow">Accessoire iPhone 6/</a>

Dear people if you disassemble an device never use tools to pry up any connectors flexes, use your finger nails to exclude damage of SMD parts,some people guided to use such tools when take off GPS flex cable on iPhone 5 they damage IMEI ic which stay in corner of simholder after that ic damages you can trash your phone,and there are many other faults caused by such tools so be careful!

So you still haven't updated this about the Wi-Fi antenna? There's already another guide telling where the Wi-Fi antenna is. The Murata Wi-Fi module is far from the speaker so this coaxial connector should belong to mobile phone functions. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+i...

As for conversion D/A and A/D in a Lightening cable,(to support analog A/V output) it is also possible that the port is mode sensing. I have seen a number of devices now that mode sense on USB ports to provide analog A/V out, as well as USB/OTG functions depending on which cable is plugged in.

I agree, the linear oscillator is terrible. Sure, its quieter, but you can hardly feel it. I definitely missed more calls with my 4S than any previous phone. Also, the rotational motor is smaller than the linear oscillator.

My amend suggesting the purpose of the rear mic was deleted by Brett, but the rear mic is *definitely* used for recording sound when filming video. To verify, blow on the mic during recording, then temporarily cover it with your finger for comparison. Covering this mic with your finger totally mutes the wind noise.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Minnesotans,

Right now, Minnesota has a chance to pass the first Fair Repair bill in the nation.
We have a chance to guarantee our right to repair electronics—like smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment.
We have a chance to help the environment and stand up for local repair jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed out by manufacturers.

We've been working with local repair companies, non-profit refurbishers, and tech-savvy politicians to come up with a solution. And they've done just that — Minnesota is the first state to consider a Fair Repair Bill.

If you agree with us, find out who represents you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Tell them you support the bipartisan Fair Repair Bill, HF 1048. Tell them that you believe repair
should be fair, affordable, and accessible.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear New Yorkers,

Right now, New York has a chance to pass the first Fair Repair bill in
the nation. We have a chance to guarantee our right to repair electronics—like
smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment. We have a chance to help
the environment and stand up for local repair jobs—the corner mom-and-pop
repair shops that keep getting squeezed out by manufacturers.